World · India Bureau
Delhi-NCR chokes as air quality plummets, nine zones breach hazardous levels
Air quality indices across the National Capital Region have soared past the 400-mark at multiple locations, with Rohini recording the most severe reading of 473 in early morning measurements. Nine pollution hotspots have now crossed into the hazardous category, posing serious health risks to millions of residents.
LSN India ·
Critical pollution levels engulfed Delhi and its surrounding areas on Tuesday, with nine monitoring stations recording Air Quality Index (AQI) readings well above 400, signalling severe air quality conditions. According to data collected at 6 a.m., Rohini emerged as the most severely affected zone with an AQI of 473, followed by R.K. Puram at 441 and both Alipur and Sonia Vihar registering 435 each.
Other badly impacted areas included Okhla Phase-2 with an AQI of 426, North Campus at 424, ITO at 420, and Najafgarh at 412. An AQI reading above 400 falls into the severe category, posing risks even to healthy individuals and prompting health advisories against outdoor activities.
The alarming spike in pollution levels comes as Delhi enters the winter season, when meteorological conditions typically trap pollutants closer to the ground. The National Capital Region has long struggled with seasonal air quality deterioration, exacerbated by factors including vehicular emissions, industrial activity, and agricultural burning in neighbouring states.
Health experts recommend that residents, particularly children, the elderly, and those with respiratory conditions, limit outdoor exposure and use air purifiers indoors. The severe air quality has prompted authorities to consider implementing stricter pollution control measures.